The second generation of 3D cameras goes into series production at camera manufacturer Basler. Equipped with the latest Sony DepthSense™ sensor technology and highly efficient VCSEL laser diodes, the Basler blaze camera, based on the time-of-flight method, is a suitable candidate for a wide range of 3D vision applications in automation, robotics, logistics, and medicine.
With its high measuring accuracy and a VGA resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, the 3D camera is particularly suitable for detecting obstacles and determining the position, volume and location of objects within a measuring range of up to 10 meters. The Sony Time-of-Flight IMX556PLR sensor with CAPD (Current Assisted Photonic Demodulator) pixel structure enables optical measurements with almost millimeter accuracy and very high precision.
Robust and daylight-optimized for versatile use
With its compact dimensions, low overall weight and a design without moving components–lens and invisible infrared illumination are integrated–the blaze is ideal for mounting on a robot arm or for integration into automated systems. The water- and dustproof IP67 protective housing and high shock resistance allow reliable operation in environments that require a high degree of robustness and insensitivity to interference.
Using the latest laser diode technology (VCSEL), the blaze operates in the near-infrared wavelength range around 940 nm. It is therefore independent of ambient light and can also be used in daylight. The camera generates a multipart image consisting of a distance, intensity and confidence map and uses it to form 3D point clouds and 2D gray images in real time at a frame rate of up to 30 frames per second. The conversion of raw data into depth information takes place in the camera, minimizing latency and host-side processor load.
Using Basler’s GenICam-compatible blaze SDK, the camera can be configured and adapted to system requirements quickly and easily. The platform-independent programming interface with sample programs also makes it easy to integrate the blaze into single or multi-camera applications. In addition to the SDK, customers can also use the blaze SDK for application development by connecting to common machine vision libraries and third-party software platforms.
Conclusion
“3D Vision today enables machines not only to “see” and “measure” objects, but to recognize, understand and interact with them. The blaze ToF camera with its high resolution and accuracy is ideally suited for this purpose. Its powerful features allow it to be used in a variety of application and system environments – and all this at a very attractive price. Especially in “Smart Factory” and logistics automation in applications such as the palletizing and measuring of packages or in the area of driverless transport, the blaze can make a decisive contribution to making process chains more flexible and to a fast return on investment,” emphasizes Sebastian von Holdt, Head of Product Management 3D Business at Basler. Detailed information about the product and its possible applications is available at baslerweb.com/blaze .
